The preparation and qualifications of Pennsylvania vocational education (VE) teachers were examined in a statewide survey. Survey instruments were mailed to all 152 practicing VE teachers in Pennsylvania who had received a Pennsylvania Vocational Instructional II Certificate in 1990-1998. Thirty-four (22.37%) of the VE teachers completed questionnaires. Thirty (88%) of the respondents had worked in their occupational field for 5 or more years before becoming a teacher. Fifteen (44.1%) had a four-year degree or higher, and 97.1% were teaching in the occupational field in which they are certified. Twenty-six (78.8%) considered themselves well prepared or very well prepared to implement state or school district curriculum and performance standards, and 97.0% reported feeling well prepared or very well prepared to delivery instruction utilizing effective teaching methods. However, 4 of the 16 respondents who answered the question about the adequacy of existing teacher education stated that teacher education programs must provide more academic content for VE teachers. An in-depth study of a larger population of VE teachers was recommended to provide the information base needed for thorough assessment of VE teacher education program development in the 21st century. (Contains 17 references.) (MN)

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